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Learning Minutes

Many HR managers are dealing with a backlash against political correctness in the workplace. When told that they have to be respectful of gays, Muslims, and others at work, some employees are asking about *their* rights. What can HR managers do? Find out in this week's Kantola Learning Minute with workplace trainer Linda Garrett, JD.

Transcript:
Hi, I'm Linda Garrett with a Kantola Learning Minute.

Today I'd like to address an issue that some HR Managers are facing, and that is the backlash against what some people might term "political correctness". Or, to say it another way, the reaction of some people to being told that they need to be respectful of people's differences and work together collaboratively, and not subtly harass or demean others in the workplace. I'm talking about your employees who may angrily say to you, "Well, what about my rights?" Or you have a manager who doesn't want to hire someone who is gay, or an employee who is outspoken about a certain religion, I think the important thing is that you address the so-called elephant in the room, especially if confronted with a situation before a new employee actually comes on board.

If you find yourself in this predicament, be proactive and do a brief review of your policies that address the issues of employment discrimination and harassment and remind everyone that you will not tolerate behaviors that bully other employees or put the company at risk for discrimination or harassment lawsuit. Let everyone know exactly how you, the organization, and the law, expect them to act and, further, that if you learn of any problems the harasser will be the one to go, not the employee who is the target of the discriminatory or harassing behavior.

I hope this helps you if you find yourself in such a predicament. Thanks for joining us for today's Learning Minute.